Tara D. Sutton Obituary, MINNESOTA — Tara D. Sutton, a distinguished trial lawyer who spent more than three decades with Robins Kaplan LLP, died on September 20, 2026, following a brief illness. Her death has been met with mourning across the Minnesota legal community, where she was recognized for her work in mass tort, product liability, and public-health litigation.
Sutton built a long and distinguished career at Robins Kaplan, beginning as a summer associate before advancing to senior partner and taking on leadership responsibilities within the firm. Over more than 30 years in practice, she handled significant litigation and became known for her dedication to trial advocacy and representation of clients in complex legal matters.
Her professional work included major mass-tort and public-health cases, reflecting her longstanding involvement in litigation involving issues of public health and justice. Sutton also served in leadership positions within Robins Kaplan, including with the firm’s National Mass Tort Group and Executive Board.
Sutton’s contributions to the legal profession were recognized through numerous professional honors. She was recognized by Super Lawyers on multiple occasions, including being named among the Top 10 Minnesota Super Lawyers in 2025 and 2026 and among the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers.
The University of Iowa College of Law also recognized Sutton with its Alumni Achievement Award for her contributions to trial litigation and her work involving justice, public health, and advocacy. Her professional legacy extended beyond the cases she handled, including the attorneys she mentored and the colleagues and clients with whom she worked throughout her career.
Robins Kaplan extended condolences to Sutton’s husband, Gary, and their children, as well as to her wider family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Additional personal details about her family were not provided in the memorial information available.
A public memorial service for Sutton is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. The service will provide an opportunity for family, friends, colleagues, and members of the legal community to gather and remember her life and career.
Tara Sutton leaves behind a professional legacy shaped by trial advocacy, leadership, public-health litigation, mentorship, and service to the legal profession. After more than three decades at Robins Kaplan, her contributions will remain part of the firm’s history and the broader Minnesota legal community. Condolences go to Gary, her children, family, friends, colleagues, clients, and everyone affected by her passing.
